Rascals (Star Trek: The Next Generation)
"Rascals" is the 157th episode of the sixth season of the American science fiction television series Star Trek: The Next Generation. It first aired in the United States on October 4, 1992.
The episode centers around a transporter malfunction that de-ages four members of the USS Enterprise-D crew: Captain Jean-Luc Picard, Ensign Ro Laren, Counselor Deanna Troi, and Guinan. They are transformed into children, physically reverting to the approximate ages of 12, 6, 7, and 8, respectively. Their adult minds and memories remain intact, creating a challenging situation for both them and the rest of the crew.
The de-aging process occurs while the crewmembers are attempting to retrieve a damaged shuttlecraft from a strange energy field in the Typhon Expanse. The energy field interacts with the transporter beam, causing the reversion.
The episode's plot focuses on two main threads. The first involves the difficulties the de-aged crewmembers face adapting to their new physical forms and convincing the senior officers of their true identities. The adult crew has difficulty believing the children's claims, leading to humorous and dramatic interactions. The second thread concerns a Ferengi incursion. While the Enterprise is dealing with the de-aging crisis, Ferengi hijack the ship, intending to use it to start a war between the Federation and the Cardassians. The de-aged crewmembers, due to their small size and unassuming appearance, are able to move freely and ultimately foil the Ferengi plot, using their adult knowledge to outwit the invaders.
"Rascals" explores themes of identity, maturity, and the challenges of perspective. It also provides a lighter, more comedic tone compared to many other episodes of the series, while still maintaining a suspenseful plot. The episode is notable for its unique premise and the performances of the child actors portraying the de-aged crewmembers, particularly for capturing the essence of the adult characters within a childlike exterior. It concludes with the restoration of Picard, Troi, Ro Laren, and Guinan to their adult forms, after Commander Riker locates the specific pattern buffer settings from the initial transport attempt.